If you are new to the forums, you must register a free account before you can post. The forums have a separate registration from the rest of www.chronofhorse.com, so your log in information for one will not automatically work for the other. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Chronicle of the Horse.

What can I put on a nasty open scratch sore on my cat's neck??

Cat (barn/indoor to eat) has a large open sore on his neck probably from his brother's claws. I've had him on antibiotics and spray it with wound iodine, but it needs something to dry it up, (like Wonder Dust) but I'm worried about him ingesting something toxic in the course of bathing himself. Any suggestions?? It is not obviously infected, but I'm sure he aggravates the sore by scratching himself. Thanks.

Used both on the deep puncture wounds on my barn cat's neck. Keep the thing open so it can heal from the inside out.

I have no idea what he tangled with, but he has a big scar now with no hair.

*************
My first thought was Wonder Dust to dry it up. Tissue is nice and pink and healthy looking, just slimmey. When I asked my vet she said not to use Wonder Dust as the cat would wash his paws/neck/paws and injest it. I thought of using the WD and putting a cover (thought a sweatshirt cuff would work) over the cat's neck to keep him from getting the WD. It looks aweful, but the cat seems unbothered, very healthy with a good appetite. Thanks guys.

How high on the neck. Claws usually leave punctures, however ear mites will result in big sores from constant stratching on the neck a little lower than the ears.

Paula

**************
The sore is lower on the neck and there are large puncture holes in the tissue. I have not seen him do any scratching of his own ears. He and his brother have a love-hate relationship. They eat in bowls side by side and curl up together by the stove to nap...then wack each other for the heck of it!! Brother had the same thing on his neck, but healed up quickly. Thanks.

Wonder dust is a caustic agent, and as a poweder its hard to get it exactly where you want it. I would be worried if any dust got in the eyes, or in the mouth. It can also "burn" the healthy tissues around the cut. Its up to you, but I would be a little worried using it on a cat.

She actually didn't seem as concerned as I was..."it is just a barn cat. It will clear up"!! She didn't offer any treatment options...just nixed the Wonder Dust. I've just tried to think of some sort of drying agent that wouldn't be too caustic. Flour comes to mind!!

Even for the indoor pet kitties, most vets will recommend antibiotics and leaving it open (no goopy creams). If you are questioning your vet, why not give her a call and ask why they didnt recommend a topical?

If it makes you feel better to put something on it, Im sure it wont kill your cat. Betadine solution can be wiped on it (full strength), dont use betadine scrub unless you rinse it off after.

I am a big fan of the CVS or Walgreens version of Hibiclens, their antiseptic washes with Chlorhexidine. It is both an antiseptic and a drying agent. I most recently used in on Mr. Kitty, who had gotten into an argument with someone and had a bloody ear. After two washes/soaks with the chlorhexidine, the ear was dried up and healing. Highly recommend it.

Thanks Guin. I'll look for that at Walmart...the only store in our area (very rural Ok. !!) I have been spraying on Betadine solution and it does look a bit dryer. I spray him last thing at night when I put him out and rush out to check him in the morning to make sure he is ok and not sick from the Betadine!! He doesn't have any sign of Betadine on his paws, so maybe he isn't even bothering it!! I will try the chlorhexidine, though.

Be very careful with the Hibiclens. Cats are so very different then other animals in what they can tolerate. I know there has been problems with babies (human) with hibiclens. I would not put in one a cat unless I could rinse.

Whatever you do, I would keep a close eye on it and WEAR GLOVES when handling the wound. If it looks more like an abscess that has ruptured, it could be a sign of the plague - no joke, my barn cat had it, only visible symptoms was a neck wound that would not heal...

If you are going to get a hibitane (chlorhexidine), make sure its a SOLUTION and not a scrub. Putting the scrub on without washing it off will very much irritate the skin. In vet hospitals, its used as a primary scrub, then rinsed with alcohol then a chlorhexidine solution, or bedatine solution as a final prep. Clients who need to clean their animals wounds are often given a non-alcohol based chlorhexidine to wipe over the wounds twice daily.

Betadine and chlorhexidine basically do the same thing. Chlorhexidine is generally more alcohol based, so may sting if you are putting it on an open wound.

If it hasnt started to heal by 5 days after the injury, then you need to go back to the vet. Abscesses could be forming. Also, try not to "interrupt" the healing process by scrubbing the wound, just a gentle wipe will allow the scar tissue to build up.

Thanks for all the tips. Maybe I'll just stick with the Betadine solution. It seems to help, doesn't irritate or sting and he hasn't died yet!!
spaceagevalkyrie - what is schreiners??
Bearcat - what do you mean the plague??

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in...m/bc/51900.htm
"he clinical presentation of plague in cats is most commonly bubonic plague. The incubation period ranges from 1-4 days. Cats with bubonic plague typically present with fever, anorexia, lethargy, and an enlarged lymph node that may be abscessed and draining. Oral and lingual ulcers, skin abscesses, ocular discharge, diarrhea, vomiting, and cellulitis have also been documented. Such cats typically develop lymphadenitis in a single lymph node or single nodal cluster; symmetrically affected lymph nodes are very unusual. The affected lymph nodes show necrosuppurative inflammation, edema, and hemorrhages, and contain numerous Y pestis organisms."

Not to scare you, but just so you are aware (hopefully it is just a scratch.) Cats will get it through infected fleas (from ground squirrels, prairie dogs) or through biting infected rodent.